Meet the Team

Rob Roy Rankin, Principal and Founder

Rob began his career in intellectual property law in the pharmaceutical industry and then moved into general commercial law as a partner in a Melbourne law firm.

Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, and with a focus on better client services and flexible pricing models not available with other firms, Rob started his own boutique practice.

Rob’s passion is to help people to grow professionally. His vision and ability to nurture relationships lead to long-term solutions and success.

Joseph is an experienced commercial solicitor with degrees in both Law and Business. Before coming to the law, Joseph managed a small family business for many years and also worked in marketing and product management. He therefore has a unique insight into the everyday challenges faced by small businesses and consequently offers his clients legal advice that is realistic, commercial and above all can be practically acted upon.

Sofia Garcia Ladera, Consultant (Admitted in England and Wales; not admitted in Australia)

Sofia is a litigation and arbitration lawyer admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales with a background in commercial litigation, cross-border arbitration disputes and financial regulatory investigations. Sofia trained in England at Herbert Smith Freehills, worked as an associate at “Litigation Firm of the Year “ Gibson Dunn and more recently worked at Hogan Lovells. Sofia has joined Rankin Business Lawyers as a Consultant assisting the dispute resolution team and is in the process of seeking admittance as an Australian lawyer.

Pablo Wundheiler joins us in Melbourne as a Special Counsel in the Corporate/Commercial practice area.

Pablo is a highly experienced Corporate lawyer. His 12 years as General Counsel and later Company Secretary for Mercedes-Benz Australia / Pacific Pty Ltd. translates into a hands-on understanding of, and experience in, navigating the complex regulatory environment impacting on our corporate clients. It also means that Pablo has an unparalleled exposure to franchising, licensing and competition law.

His strengths include providing strategic legal direction, risk analysis and compliance for manufacturing and distribution operations. Pablo has key insights into the evolution of the industry and the changing environment in which the manufacturer and motor dealer networks operate.

Prior to joining Mercedes Benz Pablo was an Associate with Baker McKenzie.

Rebekah is an entertainment, intellectual property and immigration lawyer. Rebekah works within film, TV, theatre, music, and sports. She assists agents, producers, directors, writers, actors, festival organisers and other creatives. Rebekah is a Registered Migration Agent with expertise in the entertainment visa process.

Her representation includes both domestic and international clients such as Chris Hemsworth, Liam Payne, Jason Derulo, MTV and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Rebekah earned a Global Entrepreneurial Scholarship to Bond University, receiving both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Law before completing her specialisations in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California. Prior to her move into entertainment law, Rebekah trained as a professional actor at a prestigious London acting institution. Rebekah initially completed a degree in Journalism & Theatre Studies.

In recognition of her achievements and commitment to the Arts, Rebekah was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London. In 2018, she received an International Business Leadership Award and was nominated for the NMF for Women in Film.

Rebekah is a strong advocate for the Australian Film industry and Women in Media.

Francine is a commercial and civil litigation lawyer, with particular experience in general commercial disputes, insolvency & reconstruction / bankruptcy matters, employment law, and proceeds of crime civil litigation. She has represented clients in both state and federal jurisdictions across a range of industries, including transport, travel, sport and commercial and retail leasing, to name a few.

Francine holds degrees in Law and Business Management and thoroughly enjoys engaging with all of her clients and assisting their business endeavours.

Francine is also passionate about giving back to the community and in the past has been a non-executive board director of a state Not-for-Profit organisation in the disability sector. Francine is currently a member of the Committee of Management of Women in Insolvency & Restructuring Victoria (WIRV).

Outside of work, you will probably find Francine out riding horses or walking her dog Noodle the Groodle!

Daniela has an extensive background in marketing, communications and graphic design. Along with managing our website, social media profiles and monthly newsletter, her emphasis on brand positioning and building relationships with our referral partners are key skills that she brings to the team.

Byron is an experienced legal app developer and solutions architect, having developed legal apps for KPMG, Twitter and Chevron. Byron combines his legal education (Juris Doctor, University of Melbourne), his talent for coding and a well-honed understanding of user design to produce legal apps that are both powerful and intuitive.

Byron brings a unique skillset to legal innovation, including a backgrounding scientific research (B-SCI University of Melbourne with first class honours), where he used AI to model brain functions. Prior to his legal career, Byron co-founded and directed a bespoke powerlifting gym and undertook officer training with the Australian Defence Force.